The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in partnership with the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), announced on Aug. 14 the release of the 2019 National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) Toolkit.
NCSAM takes place every October, and this year’s theme – which CISA and NCSA detail more deeply in the toolkit – is to “emphasize the role each individual plays in online safety and stress the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity at home and in the workplace.”
The toolkit breaks this year’s theme down into the phrase, “OWN IT. SECURE IT. PROTECT IT.” The three phrases, more specifically, call for individuals to:
- Understand their digital profile – the devices and applications they use everyday to keep them and their information safe and secure;
- Secure their digital profile – to apply layers of security to devices, such as multi-factor authentication; and
- Maintain their digital profile – to be familiar with and routinely check privacy settings to help protect their privacy and limit cybercrimes.
To help individuals realize the goals of NCSAM, the toolkit provides cybersecurity tips – such as layering login protection, safeguards for Internet of Things devices, password protocol, and phishing security – and resources from DHS, NCSA, and the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies.
The toolkit also outlines a “calendar to help plan your awareness and execution efforts leading into and throughout NCSAM” as a guide to help organizations practice greater cybersecurity across their enterprise.
Events in the near future include today’s NCSAM Champion Toolkit Webinar to learn how to use CISA and NCSA resources, and on Aug. 19 organizations can order bulk cybersecurity awareness materials from the Federal Trade Commission for distribution during NCSAM in October.